There Is Strength In Numbers

Yesterday, my wife and I were treated to an hour long massage session (an awesome Christmas gift from our oldest son), and we had lunch at Applebee’s. We ate; joked about our massage therapists; and talked a lot about God and the kingdom. It was the perfect mid afternoon date. And then…Satan showed up.

Essentially, the enemy erased two hours of happiness in one split second, by convincing my wife that she is a failure as a mother. Our children have never had a want for anything. They lead happy lives. Yet, the enemy constantly reminds my wife of her dysfunctional childhood, and uses the past to steal her joy. Even when she has been informed of the opposite by her children, she still battles with the truth of her past.

Luke 9:62 says, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom.”

We seriously have to strive toward leaving the past where it belongs, lest it hinder our true calling in God’s kingdom. The longer Satan can distract us with things long forgiven, the better chance he has of keeping us outside of the will of God. The trouble is that the hurt of our past may be too great to handle alone.

One of the many advantages of having a Christian marriage is partnership. When I’m low, defeated temporarily by the thwarts of the enemy, she’s right by my side lifting me up with prayer and a fresh word from the scriptures. When she is being pummeled by Satan’s boulders, I carry her load with intercessory prayer, scripture and encouragement. I’m talking about strength in numbers, friends. Matthew 18:20 says,

“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”

By the time my wife and I, along with our oldest son, concluded our family discussion, she came to realize that she is not the failure Satan would have her believe she is. She also realized how crafty the enemy can be. The reality is we all have a past. Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross cancelled our debts. But, the enemy would love nothing more than to constantly remind us of our past failures and hurts.

The three of us talking and praying together were able to debunk the lies of the enemy, and that’s just how strength in numbers works. Where one may fail, two or more – in the name of Jesus – will conquer. Remember that fact, the next time the enemy intimidates you. Look toward your spouse, or fellow Christians for the strength you may not have to face the enemy alone.